FINN THOMPSON
PRESENT - 13TH SEPTEMBER 2025
Never in my life did I think I’d end up in rehab.
Never in my life did I think I’d contribute to my sister almost dying.
Never in my life did I think I’d hit rock bottom.
But I did all three, and somehow, I’ve come out the other end.
I’ve still got a lot to work on, and I know it’s not going to happen overnight, but without going to rehab, I think I might have actually drunk myself to death. A part of me believes I deserve it, but I’ve soon realised that the guilt I’ve been drowning in contributed to my depression.
I had no idea I was even depressed because I was in denial. I hid how I felt with laughter, jokes, and getting so shitfaced I couldn’t remember a thing, and when I felt hungover and anxious, I’d blame it on the alcohol.
All I was doing was destroying myself, and I wanted to. Iwantedto hurt myself. But now, I need to focus on my health and never allow myself to fall back in that dark pit again.
When I arrive outside the university house I share with my three friends, JJ, Silas, and Ronan, I sit in my car for a while and take a breather. My parents tried to convince me to take a year off university and have more time to recover, but I knew if I came back next year, I’d be without my friends, and I need their support.
JJ might be in a relationship with my sister, and the thought of another of my friends dating her hurts, but I love the guy with everything in me. I trust him because I know he’s a good friend, a better friend than I’ll ever be.
And I want Ivy to be happy. So I have to let the past go.
When I finally pluck up the courage to step out of my car, I walk to the front door and press my key into the lock.
“Hey,” I call out and dump my bag by the door.
A figure steps out into the hall, and I stare up at JJ as he grins back at me. “Hey, man,” he says before drawing me into a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
I chuckle and slap his back. “I saw you like a week ago.”
“I know, but it feels like a lifetime since then.”
We pull away and walk into the living room, where JJ flicks on the kettle.
“How have you been?” he asks before folding his tattooed arms over his chest.
I nod. “I’ve been okay.”
JJ quirks a brow as if he can read straight through me. “Come on, tell me how you’re really feeling.”
My ass hits the sofa as I lean back and sigh. “I have been okay,” I confess. “But I’ve been a little worried about coming back.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want everyone knowing I just got out of rehab, and I don’t want to be surrounded by alcohol and parties.I don’t want to be tempted. I don’t want to relapse—that’s what I’m most terrified of.”
JJ’s eyes flash me a look of concern. “I’m here for you, alright? I’m going to do everything I can to support you and keep you in check. Are you still doing therapy?”
“Yeah, it’s online, but they suggested that I also contact the university welfare team and try to get some in-person too. They also recommended that I try AA meetings.”
“Will you?”
“Yeah, I think I should.”
When the kettle is boiled, JJ makes us both a cup of tea before sitting down beside me. “You might find this year tough, but I know you can do it. You’re stronger than you think, and if you ever feel like you’re struggling, you can always talk to me.”
My heart tenses as I stare back at him. “Thanks, JJ.”
